Fluorosurfactants in pesticides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the use of fluorinated surfactants of formula (I) in pesticides.

The present invention relates to the use of fluorosurfactants of the formula (I) in pesticides.

For the preparation of pesticides, in particular in crop protection, so-called adjuvants are employed besides the regular active compounds. Adjuvants here are in accordance with ASTM E 1519 substances which are added to the pesticide active compounds in order to improve the action of pesticides and/or their physical properties. Adjuvants are divided into two main functional classes:

A. Adjuvants which maintain or improve the efficacy of the pesticide. These include, in particular, substances which result in the following effects: improved wetting properties (for example superspreading), more efficient adsorption and uptake of the active compound (penetration), moistening action, droplet size as a function of spray pressure, etc.

B. Adjuvants which influence the practical use. Mention should be made here primarily of the following: emulsifiers, pH modifiers, foam formers, antifoams, substances for reducing the spray excess (drift).

Surfactants are one of the most important classes within the adjuvants and are used in both areas of application. They primarily fulfil the functions for improved wetting of the surface and thus ensure more efficient penetration of the active compound. Furthermore, they function as solubility promoters in the form of emulsifiers and dispersion additives in order to homogenise the active compounds, which are usually non-polar, in aqueous solutions. As emulsifiers, they are employed in various formulations: wettable powders (WP), oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions (EW or EO), suspensions (SC), suspoemulsions (SE), emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or also granules or water-dispersible granules.

Since plant surfaces are frequently characterised by an epicuticular hydrophobic wax layer and various leaf morphologies (for example hairs, wax crystals) are evident, they are only wetted poorly by aqueous active-compound solutions. This greatly restricts the uptake of the active compound by the plants due to two essential issues: firstly, “dripping-off” of the aqueous active-compound solution occurs during the spraying process, so that there is insufficient contact time with the leaf surface in order to take up the active compound. Secondly, the adhering droplets of the spray solution form only very small contact areas on the leaf surface, which restricts the uptake kinetics of the active compound. The addition of surfactants enables the wetting properties to be modified and the efficiency thus to be greatly improved. In the optimum case, the surfactant causes a great reduction in the surface tension in order to wet the plant surface covered with wax and in addition exhibits superspreading wetting behaviour. Adjuvants, their classification, properties and modes of action area described in Winnacker-Küchler, “Chemische Technologie” [Chemical Technology], Volume 7, C. Hanser-Verlag Munich, 4th Edition 1986.

To date, two main material classes of surfactants or surfactant mixtures have been employed as adjuvants: surfactants based on hydrocarbons and siloxanes. Thus, patent CA 2230769 describes the use of non-ionic siloxane surfactants, which results in a larger wetting area of the spray solution and thus in more efficient efficacy of the pesticide employed. Furthermore, WO 2010/003889 discusses the increased efficiency of active compounds based on the addition of ethoxylated sorbitol surfactants. Further uses of surfactants as adjuvants are described, inter alia, in Conference Proceedings 9th International Symposium on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals, ISAA 2010.

Previous surfactants as adjuvants, in particular non-ionic silicone, and hydrocarbon surfactants, exhibit only inadequate wetting properties on surfaces relevant for the use of pesticides, since their potential for reducing the surface tension in water is restricted to >20 mN/m. In addition, only few of these surfactants exhibit superspreading properties and tend towards increased foam formation in pesticide formulations, which is undesired owing to the poorer processing. In addition, classical fluorosurfactants are based on long-chain perfluorinated chains, which have proven highly bioaccumulative and toxic and have an inhalation-toxic action on spraying, meaning that extensive protective measures for the operating personnel become necessary.

Fluorosurfactants which are used as adjuvants in pesticides have only been described with little detail in the literature. M. Pisante et al. (J. Pestic. Sci., 32(1), 2007, 16-23) discuss evident advantages with respect to wetting and the associated more efficient uptake of active compound.

Specific applications of sulfosuccinates and/or sulfotricarballylates having various fluorinated side chains are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,599 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,610 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,608 and in A. R. Pitt et al., Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 1996, 114, 321-335; A. R. Pitt, Progr. Colloid Polym. Sci, 1997, 103, 307-317 and Z.-T. Liu et al., Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2007, 46, 22-28. Further fluorosurfactants, in particular succinates and tricarballylates containing fluorinated alkyl groups, are described in WO 2009/149807, WO 2010/003567, WO 2010/149262, WO 2011/082770 and WO 2012/084118.

It has now been found that the use of certain fluorosurfactants as adjuvants in pesticides avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. Pesticides here include both pest-control agents in general and also crop-protection agents. The use of the compounds according to the invention is particularly advantageous in crop-protection agents. The terms pesticides or crop-protection agents and pest-control agents in the present invention are applied to formulations which comprise the corresponding active compounds for pest control or for crop protection and additives and/or solvents.

The present invention relates firstly to the use of compounds of the formula (I) in pesticides:

where X is a hydrophilic group, R is linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, r is 0 or 1, B is a single bond, O, NH, NR′, CH₂, C(O)—O, S, CH₂—O, O—C(O), O—C(O)—O, N—C(O), C(O)—N, O—C(O)—N, N—C(O)—N, SiR′₂—, SiR′₂—O, O—SO₂ or SO₂—O, where R′ is linear or branched alkyl, R¹ and R², independently of one another, are hydrogen or —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3), Y¹, Y² and Y³, independently of one another, are O, S or N, L¹, L² and L³, independently of one another, are linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, A¹, A² and A³, independently of one another, are hydrogen or a group of the structure —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi)Rf^(i), where i=1, 2 or 3, Z^(i) is O, S or N and is bonded to a C atom of L^(i) or is a single bond, R³ and R⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen or an alkyl group, Rf^(i) is a fluorine-containing radical, n1, n2 and n3, independently of one another, are 1-6, m1, m2 and m3, independently of one another, are 0-5 and the compounds of the formula (I) contain at least one Rf^(i) group.

The fluorosurfactants of the formula (I) used are preferably built up from a plurality of short-chain perfluoroalkyl groups with anionic, cationic, non-ionic and amphoteric groups. The compounds according to the invention are distinguished by improved properties on use as adjuvants.

In particular, branched fluorosurfactants containing short-chain perfluoroalkyl chains can lead to an improved ecotoxicological profile, since such compounds are non-toxic and do not exhibit bioaccumulation or inhalative toxicity. Personal protective measures during processing which are attributable to the toxicity of the surfactants are thus superfluous.

On use in pesticides, in particular in crop-protection agents, the compounds of the formula (I) can improve both the efficacy of the active compounds and/or also act, for example, as dispersant, emulsion stabiliser and/or foam inhibitor.

The use of the fluorosufactants according to the invention enables, in particular, the wetting properties of pesticides, in particular of crop-protection agents, to be significantly improved. By means of the fluorosurfactants of the formula (I), the surface tension in water can be reduced to below 20 mN/m, which results in a significant improvement in the wetting properties on the leaf surface compared with the siloxane- and hydrocarbon-based surfactants employed to date.

In addition, some of the branched fluorosurfactants exhibit superspreading wetting properties. This results in higher efficiency of the active compounds used in the pesticides, since both drift is reduced and also the contact area for the uptake of the active compound is increased. Due to the enlarged surface, a spray film of the pesticide also dries more rapidly, the active compound is consequently concentrated homogeneously on the leaf and cannot drip off the leaf so quickly.

The fluorosurfactants described here also improve numerous other properties. Thus, reduced foam formation in water can be demonstrated in the Ross-Miles test and in the Tego foam test. This is advantageous, in particular, in the preparation of spray solutions.

Fluorosurfactants of the formula (I) can be employed in all pesticides, both for crop protection and also generally for pest control. These compounds can advantageously be employed, in particular, in crop-protection agents, for example in herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, algicides, aphicides, nematicides, acaricides, molluscicides, bactericides, virucides, rodenticides or plant-growth regulators. The compounds of the formula (I) are also suitable for use in further crop-protection agents, such as, for example, in agents for the grafting of woody plants, agents for preventing damage by wildlife, agents for soil decontamination and dressings for the treatment of seed and plant material.

Compounds of the formula (I) are usually added to liquid pesticide formulations which are applied by means of spray methods. However, use in other pesticide formulations, such as wettable powders (WP), oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions (EW or EO), suspensions (SC), suspoemulsions (SE), emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or also granules or water-dispersible granules, is also possible. Use of the compounds of the formula (I) in formulations of crop-protection agents which are applied by spray methods in the cultivation of crop or ornamental plants is particularly advantageous.

Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those in which two or three Rf^(i) groups are present. However, compounds containing at least four Rf^(i) groups are also possible, preferably containing four, six or nine Rf^(i) groups.

The fluorinated groups Rf^(i) used are preferably branched or unbranched, fluorine-containing alkyl radicals, in particular perfluorinated alkyl radicals.

Particular preference is given to fluorine-containing alkyl radicals having 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4, C atoms. Especial preference is given to the use of perfluorinated Rf^(i) groups having 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4, C atoms. Rf¹, Rf² and Rf³ preferably have the same meaning.

R¹ and R² are preferably not simultaneously —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3).

Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are in addition those in which Y¹, Y² and Y³ preferably denote O or N, in particular O. Y¹ and Y² or Y¹, Y² and Y³ have the same meaning.

The groups Rf^(i) are bonded to a group L¹, L² or L³ via a —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi) group. Z^(i) here preferably stands for O or N, in particular for O. Preference is given to compounds in which all Z^(i) are identical.

Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are those in which n1, n2 and n3 preferably, independently of one another, 0-4, in particular 1 or 2.

Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are also those in which m1, m2 and m3 are preferably, independently of one another, 0-4, in particular 1-4.

Preferred compounds of the formula (I) are also those in which R³ and R⁴ independently of one another, hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 atoms, in particular 1-4 C atoms. R³ and R⁴ preferably stand, independently of one another, for hydrogen or an unbranched C1-C3-alkyl group. Preference is given to compounds in which R³ or R⁴ is equal to hydrogen, m1, m2 and m3 preferably stand, independently of one another, for 1-3. Preference is given to compounds in which all Z^(i), R³, R⁴ and mi in each case have the same meaning.

L¹, L² and L³ can preferably, independently of one another, be linear or branched alkylene having 1 to 10 C atoms. In particular, L¹, L² and L³ are, independently of one another, linear or branched alkylene having 3 to 8 C atoms. One or more non-adjacent C atoms of the groups L¹, L² and L³ may preferably be replaced by O or N, preferably by O. In a preferred variant of the invention, L¹ and L² are identical. If L³ is also present, L¹ and L² or L¹ and L³ or L² and L³ may preferably be identical. In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, all groups L¹, L² and L³ are identical.

Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (I) in which at least one group L^(i)=—(CR⁵R⁶)_(ci)(CR⁷R⁸)_(c′i))_(di)—, where the respective indices ci and c′i are, independently of one another, 0-10 and di is 0-5, R⁵ to R⁸ are, independently of one another, hydrogen or a branched or unbranched alkyl group and ci and c′i are not simultaneously 0.

Especial preference is given to compounds of the formula (I) in which, in at least one group L^(i), the group R⁵ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 C atoms, in particular 1-4 C atoms, and the groups R⁶ and R⁷ and R⁸ are hydrogen.

Preference is furthermore also given to compounds of the formula (I) in which R⁷ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 C atoms, in particular 1-4 C atoms, and the groups R⁵ and R⁶ and R⁸ are hydrogen.

In the compounds of the formula (I), the group R preferably stands for linear or branched alkylene having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. One or more non-adjacent C atoms may preferably be replaced by O or S, preferably O.

In the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention, r can preferably be equal to 0.

Preference is furthermore given to compounds of the formula (I) in which B is a single bond, O, S, C(O)—O or O—C(O), in particular a single bond.

Particularly advantageous compounds of the formula (I) are those in which one or more of the variables Rf^(i), Y¹, Z¹, U, R¹ to R⁸, ci, c′i, di, ni, mi, R, r and B have the preferred meanings, in particular compounds in which the said variables have the particularly preferred meanings. Particularly advantageous compounds of the formula (I) are those in which all said variables have the preferred meanings, in particular the particularly preferred meanings.

In the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention, X is a hydrophilic group, preferably an anionic, cationic, nonionic or amphoteric group.

A preferred anionic group X can be selected from —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻, —OPO₃ ²⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—COO⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—SO₃ ⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—OSO₃ ⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—PO₃ ²⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—OPO₃ ²⁻ or from the formulae A to C,

where s stands for an integer from the range from 1 to 1000, t stands for an integer selected from 1, 2, 3 or 4 and w stands for an integer selected from 1, 2 or 3.

The preferred anionic groups here include, in particular, —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻, —OPO₃ ²⁻, the sub-formula A, and —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—COO⁻, —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—SO₃ ⁻ and —(OCH₂CH₂)_(s)—O—(CH₂)_(t)—OSO₃ ⁻, where each individual one of these groups may be preferred per se.

The very particularly preferred anionic groups here include —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻ or OPO₃ ²⁻. Especial preference is given to a sulfonate group —SO₃ ⁻.

The preferred counterion for anionic groups X is a monovalent cation, in particular H⁺, an alkali metal cation or NR₄ ⁺, where R is H or C1-C6-alkyl and all R may be identical or different. Particular preference is given to Na⁻, K⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ especially preferably Na⁺.

A preferred cationic group X can be selected from —NR¹R²R³⁺Z⁻, —PR¹R²R³⁺Z⁻,

-   -   where R stands for H or C1-4-alkyl in any desired position,     -   Z⁻ stands for Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, CH₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CH₃PhSO₃ ⁻,         PhSO₃ ⁻ R¹, R² and R³ each stand, independently of one another,         for H, C₁₋₃₀-alkyl, Ar or —CH₂Ar and     -   Ar stands for an unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted         aromatic ring or condensed ring systems having 6 to 18 C atoms         in which, in addition, one or two CH groups may be replaced by         N.

The preferred cationic groups here include, in particular, —NR¹R²R³⁺Z and

where each individual one of these groups may be preferred per se.

A preferred nonionic group can be selected from linear or branched alkyl, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, —OH, —SH, —O-(glycoside)_(o), —S-(glycoside)_(o), —OCH₂—CHOH—CH₂—OH, —OCH₂Ar(-NCO)_(p), —OAr(-NCO)_(p), —CR═CH₂, —OCOCR═CH₂, amine oxide

u stands for an integer from the range from 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, stands for an integer from the range from 1 to 10, p stands for 1 or 2, R¹, R² and R³ each stand, independently of one another, for C₁₋₃₀-alkyl, Ar or —CH₂Ar, preferably C₁₋₂₀-alkyl, and Ar stands for an unsubstituted, mono- or polysubstituted aromatic ring or condensed ring systems having 6 to 18 C atoms in which, in addition, one or two CH groups may be replaced by C═O, and, glycoside stands for an etherified carbohydrate, preferably for a mono- di-, tri- or oligoglucoside, and R stands for H or methyl.

The preferred nonionic groups here include, in particular, linear or branched alkyl, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S and/or N, —OH, —OCOCR═CH₂ and —O-(glycoside)_(o).

If X=alkyl, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms have been replaced by O, S and/or N, it is then preferably equal to R-(B-A)_(m)-, where R=H or C₁₋₄-alkyl, in particular H or CH₃, A=linear or branched alkylene, preferably having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, in particular having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, B=O or S, preferably O, and m=an integer preferably from the range from 1 to 100, particularly preferably 1 to 30.

The nonionic group X is particularly preferably the R—(O—CH₂CHR)_(m)— group, where m=an integer from the range from 1 to 100, preferably 1 to 30, in particular 1-15, and R=H or C₁₋₄-alkyl, in particular H or CH₃. R-(B-A)_(m)- is particularly preferably a polyethylene or polypropylene glycol unit.

A preferred amphoteric group can be selected from the functional groups of the acetyldiamines, the N-alkylamino acids, the betaines or corresponding derivatives, in particular selected from:

Particularly preferred compounds according to the invention are those which contain one of the preferred anionic groups X, the preferred nonionic groups or the preferred zwitterionic groups as hydrophilic group X.

Especial preference is given to compounds which contain the groups —SO₃, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻ or OPO₃ ²⁻, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, betaines, or sulfobetaines, in particular —SO₃ ⁻. Preferred counterions here are Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄ ⁻ in particular Na⁺.

Compounds of the formula (I) in which X is an anionic group, in particular —SO₃ ⁻, and one or more of the variables Rf^(i), Y^(i), Z^(i), L^(i), R¹ to R⁸, ci, c′i, di, ni, mi, R, r and B have the preferred meanings described, in particular compounds in which the said variables have the particularly preferred meanings, are particularly advantageously employed in pesticides. Preferred compounds here are, in particular, compounds in which all variables have the preferred meanings, especially the particularly preferred meanings.

In an embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula (I) can be in the form of mixtures in which the individual compounds have different meanings for the variables, in particular for A^(i), Rf^(i), Y^(i), Z^(i), L^(i), R¹ to R⁸, ci, c′i, di and mi.

In a particularly preferred group of compounds of the formula (I), R¹ and R² for hydrogen and A¹ and A² stand for a —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi)Rf^(i) group. These compounds are represented by formula (II). Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (II) where Y¹, Y², Z¹ and Z² are equal to O.

In another preferred group of compounds of the formula (I), R¹ stands for H, R² stands for —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3) and A¹, A² and A³ stand for a —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi)Rf^(i) group. These compounds are represented by formula (III). Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (III) where Y¹, Y², Z¹ and Z² are equal to O.

In a further preferred group of compounds of the formula (I), R¹ stands for —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3), R² stands for hydrogen and A¹, A² and A³ stand for a —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi)Rf^(i) group. These compounds are represented by formula (IV). Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (IV) where Y¹, Y², Y³, Z¹, Z² and Z³ are equal to O.

Particularly preferred compounds according to the invention are compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) in which X is an anionic group. Especial preference is given to compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) which contain the groups —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻ or OPO₃ ²⁻, in particular —SO₃ ⁻. Preferred counterions here are Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄ ⁺, in particular Na⁺.

In the formulae (II), (III) and (IV), L¹, L² and L³ have the general and preferred meanings given for the formula (I). L¹, L² and L³ are preferably, independently of one another, equal to linear or branched C1-C10-alkylene, in particular linear or branched C3-C8-alkylene, preferably equal to linear or branched C3-C6-alkylene. Especial preference is given to compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) in which all L are identical.

In addition, preference is given to compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) containing perfluorinated groups Rf^(i) having 1 to 4 C atoms. Rf¹, Rf² and Rf³ preferably have the same meaning.

In the formulae (II), (III) and (IV), n1, n2 and n3 are preferably, independently of one another, 1 or 2. m1, m2 and m3 are preferably, independently of one another, 1-4.

Preferred compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) are also those in which R³ and R⁴ are, independently of one another, hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 C atoms.

In a preferred variant, R³ and R⁴ are identical. Preference is furthermore given to compounds in which R³ or R⁴ are equal to hydrogen and m1, m2 m3 are equal to 1-3.

Preference is given to compounds in which all Rf^(i), R³, R⁴, ni and mi in each case have the same meaning.

Particular preference is given to compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV) in which all variables have the preferred meanings, in particular the particularly preferred meanings.

Examples of compounds of the formula (I) whose use in pesticides is particularly advantageous are compounds of the formulae (I-1) and (III-2):

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention may also be in the form of isomer mixtures (constitutional and/or configurational isomer mixtures). In particular, diastereomer and/or enantiomer mixtures are possible.

The compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention can preferably be prepared by esterification of maleic acid and aconitic acid or anhydrides or acid chlorides thereof using one or more alcohols of the formula (IV)

and subsequent addition onto the double bond in order to introduce the X—(R)_(r)-B group. The compounds according to the invention can also preferably be prepared by esterification of hydroxysuccinic acid and citric acid using one or more alcohols of the formula (V) and subsequent functionalisation of the hydroxyl groups in order to introduce the X—(R)_(r)-B group.

L and A in the formula (V) have the meaning described for L¹, L² and L³ and A¹, A² and A³ respectively in formula (I), in particular also the preferred meanings. The alcohols of the formula (V) may contain one or more Rf groups.

The alcohols used are commercially available and/or their preparation is familiar to the person skilled in the art (for example DE 10 2009 030 846 A1; Heilmann et al. J. Fluorine Chem. 1992, 59, 387; Janulis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,159 (1992); Carbohydrate Research 1991, 219, 33).

The synthesis of succinates or tricarballylates according to the invention is preferably carried out in a two-step synthesis via the corresponding maleates or hydroxysuccinates or the corresponding aconitic or citric acid esters. These syntheses are described in WO 2010/149262, WO 2011/082770 and WO 2012/084118. The disclosures in the references cited hereby expressly also belong to the disclosure content of the present application.

The invention furthermore relates to pesticides comprising at least one compound of the formula (I). In particular, the preferred compounds described hereinabove, especially the compounds of the formulae (II) to (IV), can be used here. The pesticides according to the invention may comprise one or more of the said fluorosurfactants.

The pesticides can be both pest-control agents in general and also crop-protection agents, such as, for example, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, algicides, aphicides, nematicides, acaricides, molluscicides, bactericides, virucides, rodenticides, plant-growth regulators, agents for grafting woody plants, agents for preventing damage by wildlife, agents for soil decontamination and dressings for the treatment of seed and plant material.

The pesticides may be present in various formulations, for example as wettable powders (WP), oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions (EW or EO), suspensions (SC), suspoemulsions (SE), emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or also granules or water-dispersible granules. In particular, crop-protection agents which are applied by spraying methods in the cultivation of crop or ornamental plants are suitable.

Besides the fluorosurfactants of the formula (I), pesticides according to the invention may furthermore also comprise surfactants, such as, for example, silicone surfactants based on polydimethylsiloxanes, functional trisiloxanes, gemini hydrocarbon surfactants and other hydrocarbon surfactants. The compounds of the formula (I) can preferably be used in mixtures with one or more of the compounds of the formulae (VI) to (X).

The pesticides preferably comprise at least one compound of the formula (VI)

(RF-(spacer)_(m))_(n)M  (VI)

where RF is a fluorine-containing group, spacer is a single bond or an organic functional carbon chain, n is ≧1, m=0-1 and M is an anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic group.

Preferred compounds of the formula (VI) are those in which RF is a perfluorinated alkyl group having at least two C atoms, preferably three C atoms, in particular four C atoms. Especial preference is given to substances which contain a perfluorinated C6 chain connected to an ethyl radical.

The spacer group can preferably be an organic functional hydrocarbon chain, for example a linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S and/or N.

Preference is furthermore given to compounds of the formula (VI) in which the (RF-(spacer)_(m))_(n)- group is equal to C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—CH₂CH₂—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—OCF₂CF₂—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—OC₆H₄—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—C(O)NH(CH₂)₃N═, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N═, CF₃CCl₂(CF₂CFCl)_(n-1)—CF₂— or C₈F₁₇CH₂CH₂Si(CH₃)₂—, where n′=4-12. Particular preference is given to the C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—CH₂CH₂— group where n′=4-8.

Preferred anionic groups M are —OPOO⁻, —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —OP(O)(O⁻)O— and —OP(O)O₂ ²⁻. The counterions used here are preferably H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺ or NH₄ ⁺.

Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (VI-a)

where RF=CF₃—(CF₂)_(n)-spacer-, where n=0-12, and cation=Na, K, Li, NH₄. Spacer has the meaning indicated above.

Preferred cationic groups M are —NR³⁺ groups where R=C1-C4 alkyl.

Preferred amphoteric groups M are —NR₂ ⁺—(CH₂)_(y)—COO⁻ groups where R=C1-C4 alkyl and y=1-3, preferably y=1.

Preferred nonionic groups M are (OCH₂CH₂)_(n)—OR and —(OCH₂(CH₃)CH₂)_(n)—OR where n=4-40 and R=H or C1-C4 alkyl.

Preferred compounds of the formula (VI) are, in particular, compounds in which all variables have the preferred meanings. Preference is given to anionic fluorosurfactants, for example based on phosphoric acid, carboxyl and sulfonic acid groups. Especial preference is given to compounds of the formula (VI) in which M is an anionic group and the (RF-(spacer)_(m))_(n)- group is equal to C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—CH₂CH₂—, where n=4-8. Particularly preferred compounds here are phosphoric acid esters of the formula (VI-a), especially those with NH₄ ⁺ as counterion.

The compounds of the formula (II) employed in the pesticides according to the invention are known to the person skilled in the art. They can be prepared analogously to known synthetic processes or are commercially available. The phosphoric acid esters which are particularly preferably used are available, for example, from Chemguard under the trade name Chemguard®, for example Chemguard® S760-P.

Preferred pesticides of the invention comprise the preferred compounds of the formula (I) described above and the preferred compounds of the formula (VI) described above.

Especial preference is given to pesticides comprising fluorosurfactants of the formulae (II), (III) and (IV), in particular of the formulae (III-1) and (III-2), in combination with the said preferred phosphoric acid esters.

Besides the compounds of the formula (I), the pesticides according to the invention may also comprise at least one sulfosuccinate, preferably of the formula (VII),

The pesticides may also comprise at least one functional polymer based on polymethylsiloxane, preferably of the formula (VIII),

where x=1-500, y=1-500 and R=phenyl, methyl or —(O—C₂H₃R′)_(n″)—OR″, where n″=1-1000, R′=linear and branched alkyl radical and R″=linear and branched alkyl radicals.

The pesticides may also comprise at least one trisiloxane derivative, preferably of the formula (IX),

M₂D′(E_(n′″)P)  (IX)

where M=(CH₃)₃SiO—, D′=Si(R′″), E=—OCH₂CH₂, n′″=5-40 and P=—OH, —OMe, or —OAc, where R′″=linear and/or branched alkyl chain.

Especial preference is given to the following compound

The pesticides according to the invention may also comprise at least one gemini surfactant, where two identical or different amphiphilic groups built up from structures of conventional surfactants are connected by a spacer. Especial preference is given, for example, to diacetylene derivatives of the formula (X)

where n=1-100.

If mixtures of the compounds of the formula (I) with other surfactants are used, these mixtures comprise one or more of the compounds of the formula (I) and one or more of the compounds of the formulae (II) to (X) preferably in the ratio of 70/30 to 90/10, in particular in the ratio of 80/20 to 85/15 ratio).

The content of the compounds of the formula (I) or the content of mixtures thereof, also with the said surfactants of the formulae (VI)-(X), is usually 0.01-1.0% by weight, preferably 0.05-0.5, in particular 0.05-0.2% by weight, based on the entire pesticide formulation. 0.1% by weight formulations can particularly preferably be used.

Pesticides which comprise the compounds according to the invention may comprise the water-soluble and/or water-insoluble active compounds known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, glyphosate, glufosinate, paraquat, hentazon, fomesafen, nicosulfuron, chlorsulfuron, butroxydim, thifensulfuron, aclonifen, permethrin, pyrethrin, disulfoton, armitraz, diazinon, metalazyl, inter alia.

Besides the compounds (I) or mixtures of these compounds with compounds of the formula (VI) and/or compounds of the formulae (VII) to (X), the crop-protection agents according to the invention may also comprise conventional solvents and/or additives, such as, for example, dyes, humectants, rheology modifiers, frost-protection agents, etc.

The complete disclosure content of all applications and publications mentioned above is incorporated into this application by way of reference. In the description and examples, percentages are percent by weight, unless indicated otherwise. The following examples explain the invention in greater detail without restricting the scope of protection.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of the Compound of the Formula (III-1)

The chain-extended alcohol is prepared from the starting materials 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropan-1-ol (ABCR) and butylene carbonate (TCI) in accordance with patent application DE 10 2009 030 846 A1. This intermediate is esterified using aconitic acid (Alfa Aesar) by the synthetic procedure described and then sulfonated in the final reaction step by means of an aqueous sodium hydrogensulfite solution (Merck KGaA). The dynamic surface tension is determined by the method indicated and is 28.2 mN/m (100 ms, 0.1% by weight).

Example 2 Synthesis of the Compound of the Formula (III-2)

The chain-extended alcohol is prepared from the starting materials 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutan-1-ol (ABCR) and propylene carbonate (Merck KGaA) in accordance with patent application DE 10 2009 030 846. This intermediate is esterified using aconitic acid by the synthetic procedure described and then sulfonated in the final reaction step by means of an aqueous sodium hydrogensulfite solution. The dynamic surface tension is determined by the method indicated and is 66.6 mN/m (100 ms, 0.1% by weight).

Example 3 Investigations into the Wetting on PTFE Film in Accordance with ASTM E2044 8 (Standard Test Method for Spreading of Liquid Agricultural Spray Mixtures)

Instrument: Kruss contact angle measuring instrument (DSA 100) Substrate: PTFE film from Goodfellow GmbH; measurement on the outside; (average roughness R_(M)=20-30 nm)

Measurement Method Employed:

In accordance with ASTM E2044, the droplet base diameter (d) of an aqueous surfactant solution (0.1% by weight surfactant concentration) on a PTFE film is determined after various times. In this method, a 20 μl droplet of the liquid is applied to the corresponding surface using a syringe through a PTFE capillary (type N44; d=0.776 mm) (separation of the capillary from the surface=5 mm). With the aid of a contact angle measuring instrument, the droplet base diameter is determined after 0 s; 10 s, 30 s and 60 s. The droplet base diameter is measured using a digital ruler (length in pixels) after a video recording of the wetting operation and can be converted to a length (in mm) by magnifying the capillary (the diameter of the capillary corresponds to a corresponding number of pixels at a certain magnification).

FIG. 1 shows the droplets of various aqueous surfactant solutions compared with pure water after 0 s and after 60 s. Significant advantages are evident in relation to the wetting behaviour, in particular for the compound of the formula (III-2). The solution of the compound of the formula (III-2) has the largest droplet base diameter after 60 s and exhibits superspreading behaviour on Teflon.

FIG. 2 shows the droplet base diameter as a function of the various residence times (t) on the PTFE film. Solutions comprising the compound of the formula (III-2) and the compound of the formula (III-1) exhibit a significantly greater droplet base diameter than all other surfactant solutions both after 0 and also after 10 s. This can probably be explained by very rapid wetting of the PTFE film.

Example 4 Investigations into the Wetting on Leaves of the Müller-Thurgau Grapevine (Vitis vinifera)

Instrument: Kruss contact angle measuring instrument (DSA 100) Substrate: leaves of the Müller-Thurgau grapevine; leaf section having a relatively homogeneous surface (top, leaf size ˜7×8 cm)

Measurement Method Employed:

The wetting behaviour of aqueous surfactant solutions (0.1% surfactant concentration) is investigated qualitatively on the surface of grape plant leaves using a contact angle measuring instrument. For this purpose, a homogeneous leaf section is fixed to a watch glass (d=12 cm) having convex curvature. This enables liquid droplets to be investigated irrespective of the other curvatures of the leaf surface. In order to investigate the wetting behaviour, a 5 μl droplet of liquid is applied to the leaf surface using a syringe through a PTFE capillary (type N44; d=0.776 mm). Since accurate contact angle measurements cannot be carried out on the very rough surface of the grape plants, the wetting behaviour is assessed qualitatively after 0 s and 10 s.

FIG. 3 shows the droplets of various aqueous surfactant solutions compared with pure water after 0 s and after 10 s on the grape leaf surfaces. The use of the branched fluorosurfactants of the formula (III-2) and of the formula (III-1) reduces the contact angle of the droplets significantly compared with water (H₂O). In addition, the compound of the formula (III-2) exhibits better wetting properties than all other surfactant solutions after 10 s in the qualitative investigation.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the wetting of a PTFE film by various aqueous surfactant solutions compared with pure water after 0 s and after 60 s. The droplet base diameter d is indicated in each case.

FIG. 1a : H₂O; t=0 s: d=3.8 mm

FIG. 1b : H₂O; t=60 s: d=3.8 mm

FIG. 1 c: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-2); t=0 s: d=5.5 mm

FIG. 1d : 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-2); t=60 s: d=12.3 mm

FIG. 1 e: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-1); t=0 s: d=5.6 mm

FIG. 1 f: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-1); t=60 s: d=6.4 mm

FIG. 1 g: 0.1% of fluorosurfactant (linear C6); t=0 s: d=3.4 mm

FIG. 1 h: 0.1% of fluorosurfactant (linear C6); t=60 s: d=6.5 mm

FIG. 1 i: 0.1% of gemini surfactant; t=0 s: d=5.0 mm

FIG. 1 j: 0.1% of gemini surfactant; t=60 s: d=5.1 mm

FIG. 2 shows the droplet base diameter (V=20 μl; 0.1% surfactant concentration) on PTFE film after various residence times

FIG. 3 shows the wetting of grape leaf surfaces by various aqueous surfactant solutions

FIG. 3a : H₂O; droplet at t˜0 s

FIG. 3b : H₂O; droplet at t˜10 s

FIG. 3 c: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-1); droplet at t˜0 s

FIG. 3 d: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-1); droplet at t˜10 s

FIG. 3 e: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-2); droplet at t˜0 s

FIG. 3 f: 0.1% of the compound of the formula (III-2); droplet at t˜10 s

FIG. 3 g: 0.1% of fluorosurfactant (linear C6); droplet at t˜0 s

FIG. 3 h: 0.1% of fluorosurfactant (linear C6); droplet at t˜10 s

FIG. 3 i: 0.1% of gemini surfactant; droplet at t˜0 s

FIG. 3 j: 0.1% of gemini surfactant; droplet at t˜10 s 

1. A pesticide and/or crop-protection agent method which comprises applying a pesticide and/or crop protection agent formulation comprising one or more compounds of the formula (I)

where X is a hydrophilic group, R is linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, r is 0 or 1, B is a single bond, O, NH, NR′, CH₂, C(O)—O, S, CH₂—O, O—C(O), O—C(O)—O, N—C(O), C(O)—N, O—C(O)—N, N—C(O)—N, SiR′₂—, SiR′₂—O, O—SO₂ or SO₂—O, where R′ is linear or branched alkyl, R¹ and R², independently of one another, are hydrogen or —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3), Y¹, Y² and Y³, independently of one another, are O, S or N, L¹, L² and L³, independently of one another, are linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, A¹, A² and A³, independently of one another, are hydrogen or a group of the structure —Z^(i)(CR³R⁴)_(mi)Rf^(i), where i=1, 2 or 3, Z^(i) is O, S or N and is bonded to a C atom of L^(i) or is a single bond, R³ and R⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen or an alkyl group, Rf^(i) is a fluorine-containing radical, n1, n2 and n3, independently of one another, are 1-6, m1, m2 and m3, independently of one another, are 0-5 and the compounds of the formula (I) contain at least one Rf^(i) group.
 2. A Method according to claim 1, which comprises applying the formulation by spraying in the cultivation of crop or ornamental plants.
 3. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the compounds of the formula (I) improve the efficacy of the pesticide and/or crop-protection agent and/or act as dispersant, emulsion stabiliser and/or foam inhibitor.
 4. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the compounds of the formula (I) are compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and/or (IV):

where X is equal to —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻ or OPO₃ ²⁻, in particular —SO₃ ⁻, Y¹, Y², Y³, Z¹, Z² and Z³ are equal to O, Rf¹, Rf² and Rf³ are equal to perfluorinated groups Rf^(i) having 1 to 4 C atoms, n1, n2 and n3 are equal to 1 or 2, m1, m2 and m3 are equal to 1-4, L¹, L² and L³ are equal to linear or branched C3-C6-alkylene, R³ and R⁴ are equal to hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 C atoms.
 5. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the compounds of the formula (I) are compounds of the formulae (III-1) and/or (III-2):


6. A pesticide and/or crop-protection agent formulation comprising a pesticide and/or crop-protection agent and at least one compound of the formula (I)

where X is a hydrophilic group, R is linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, r is 0 or 1, B is a single bond, O, NH, NR′, CH₂, C(O)—O, S, CH₂—O, O—C(O), O—C(O)—O, N—C(O), C(O)—N, O—C(O)—N, N—C(O)—N, SiR′₂—, SiR′₂—O, O—SO₂ or SO₂—O, where R′ is linear or branched alkyl, R¹ and R², independently of one another, are hydrogen or —CH₂—COY³-L³-(A³)_(n3), Y¹, Y² and Y³, independently of one another, are O, S or N, L¹, L² and L³, independently of one another, are linear or branched alkylene, where one or more non-adjacent C atoms may be replaced by O, S, and/or N, A¹, A² and A³, independently of one another, are hydrogen or a group of the structure —Z^(i)(CR₃R₄)_(mi)Rf^(i), where i=1, 2 or 3, Z^(i) is O, S or N and is bonded to a C atom of L^(i) or is a single bond, R³ and R⁴, independently of one another, are hydrogen or an alkyl group, Rf^(i) is a fluorine-containing radical, n1, n2 and n3, independently of one another, are 1-6, m1, m2 and m3, independently of one another, are 0-5 and the compounds of the formula (I) contain at least one Rf^(i) group.
 7. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that the compounds of the formula (I) are compounds of the formulae (II), (III) and/or (IV):

where X is equal to —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —PO₃ ²⁻ or OPO₃ ²⁻, in particular —SO₃ ⁻, Y¹, Y², Y³, Z¹, Z² and Z³ are equal to O, Rf¹, Rf² and Rf³ are equal to perfluorinated groups Rf^(i) having 1 to 4 C atoms, n1, n2 and n3 are equal to 1 or 2, m1, m2 and m3 are equal to 1-4, L¹, L² and L³ are equal to linear or branched C3-C6-alkylene, R³ and R⁴ are equal to hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 C atoms.
 8. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that the compounds of the formula (I) are compounds of the formulae (III-1) and/or (III-2):


9. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that it further comprises at least one compound of the formula (VI) (RF-(spacer)_(m))_(n)M  (VI) where RF is a fluorine-containing group, spacer is a single bond or an organic functional carbon chain, n is ≧1, m=0-1 and M is an anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic group.
 10. A formulation according to claim 9, characterised in that the group (RF(spacer)_(m))_(n)- in the compounds of the formula (VI) is equal to C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—CH₂CH₂—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—OCF₂CF₂—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—OC₆H₄—, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—C(O)NH(CH₂)₃N═, C_(n′)F_(2n′+1)—SO₂NH(CH₂)₃N═, CF₃CCl₂(CF₂Cl)_(n′−1)—CF₂— or C₈F₁₇CH₂CH₂Si(CH₃)₂—, where n′=4-12, and M is equal to —OPOO⁻, —COO⁻, —SO₃ ⁻, —OSO₃ ⁻, —OP(O)(O⁻)O— or —OP(O)O₂ ²⁻, preferably with H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Li⁺ or NH₄ ⁺ as counterion.
 11. A formulation according to claim 7, characterised in that it comprises at least one compound of the formula (III) and at least one compound of the formula (VI) (RF-(spacer)_(m))_(n)M  (VI) where RF is a fluorine-containing group, spacer is a single bond or an organic functional carbon chain, n is ≧1, m=0-1 and M is an anionic, cationic, amphoteric or non-ionic group
 12. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that it further comprises at least one compound of the formulae (VII) to (X)

where x=1-500, y=1-500 and R=phenyl, methyl or —(O—C₂H₃R′)_(n″)—OR″, where n″=1-1000, R′=linear and branched alkyl radical and R″=linear and branched alkyl radicals, M₂D′(E_(n″)P)  (IX) where M=(CH₃)₃SiO—, D′=Si(R′″), E=—OCH₂CH₂, n′″=5-40 and P=—OH, —OMe, or —OAc, where R′″=linear and/or branched alkyl chain,

where n=1-100.
 13. A formulation according to claim 9, characterised in that it comprises at least one compound of the formulae (VII) to (X)

where x=1-500, y=1-500 and R=phenyl, methyl or —(O—C₂H₃R′)_(n″)—OR″, where n″=1-1000, R′=linear and branched alkyl radical and R″=linear and branched alkyl radicals, M₂D′(E_(n′″)P)  (IX) where M=(CH₃)₃SiO—, D′=Si(R′″), E=—OCH₂CH₂, n′″=5-40 and P=—OH, —OMe, or —OAc, where R′″=linear and/or branched alkyl chain,

where n=1-100.
 14. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that is in the form of a liquid pesticide formulation which can be applied by means of spraying methods.
 15. A formulation according to claim 6, characterised in that it comprises one or more crop-protection agents. 